(Q012) Your introductory sociology professor believes that gender roles serve a purpose in society to fulfill certain functions. What type of theoretical background is your professor espousing

"Structural functionalism" is the right answer.

Explanation:

Structural functionalism, and sometimes, quite obviously, materialist philosophy, has become a platform for developing hypothesis which always occurred in the process structure, the components of which seek to enhance national unity.  Socioeconomic groups aspects which are thought to be systemic issues for postmodernists would be seen as developing a social function for considering the objectives.